Soda Pop (from KPop Demon Hunters) (arr. Johnnie Vinson): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Bright, buoyant energy with a contemporary pop sensibility that never condescends to young players. The syncopations and chromatic movement give it harmonic sophistication beneath an accessible, fun surface.

Grade 2.5 ensembles looking for repertoire that rewards student engagement and delivers immediate musical gratification. Directors aiming to build enthusiasm around a full concert will find this a reliable closer that audiences recognize and genuinely enjoy.

• Keep the 16th note rhythms crisp and articulate; they drive the energy of the piece. Tap the pulse with your foot on beat one to help the ensemble stay anchored through the syncopated sections.
• Balance the optional trumpet solo so it soars without overwhelming the accompanying voices. A quick sectional with the soloist beforehand clarifies their role during full ensemble run-throughs.
• Let the chromatic passages breathe slightly. These moments create color, so resist the urge to push tempo; let intonation settle naturally.

Program this as a concert finale to capitalize on the audience's familiarity with the film. Alternatively, pair it with other pop or film arrangements to create a themed set that showcases how concert band can make contemporary music relevant to young musicians.

• Reading and executing 16th note rhythmic patterns
• Syncopated rhythms in a pop context
• Simple chromatic movement and voice leading
• Ensemble balance across sections
• Optional trumpet solo performance and sectional independence